UFC’s Thiago Tavares Suspended Nine Months

Read why the fighter will be out of action for nearly a year.

UFC officials Tuesday announced that lightweight Thiago Tavares has been suspended for nine months after testing positive for the banned substance Drostanolone.

An anabolic steroid, Drostanolone is medically used to lower cholesterol levels and treat some forms of cancer. Also known as Drolban and marketed by trade name Masteron, the steroid is sometimes used recreationally in bodybuilding and weight-cutting.

UFC on FX 7 took place Jan. 19 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and saw Vitor Belfort knock out Michael Bisping in the evening’s main event. UFC on FX 7 was the organization’s first event promoted under the supervision of Brazil’s newly created Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission (CABMMA). Drug testing was conducted by an independent facility hired by the UFC.

Though rumors initially circulated that it was Belfort who had failed his post-fight drug test, the UFC today halted that talk, announcing that all 22 were fighters tested at the event, with only Tavares being flagged. However, the promotion did acknowledge that Belfort has been medically approved for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in Nevada after being diagnosed with hypogonadism.

Tavares, 28, had never before tested positive for a banned substance. The lightweight suffered a brutal knockout at the hands of Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC on FX 7, falling to his unbeaten opponent in 1:55 to snap a two-fight winning streak. Tavares must pass a drug test after serving his suspension in order to return to action.

So, if you're a fighter and you want to legally take on extra testosterone, just find a way to be diagnosed with hypogonadism…

This kind of story just goes to show how we can't jump to conclusions too early. For weeks we've been led along it was Belfort who failed the drug test. Now it's Feb. 6 and my heart is feeling for Belfort. I hope his treatments are tremendously successful. As for Tavares — lay off the juice.